Skin republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

We went swimming in the ocean and I noticed some very itchy rashes on my bathing suit area. My arms and legs are not affected. I am constantly scratching my chest and back. Am I allergic to my swimsuit? What medicine can I apply?

Kian

Dear Kian,

I don't think it is an allergy to your swimsuit. It most probably is "seabather's eruption". There are numerous barely visible jellyfish and anemone larvae floating on the surface of the ocean. These often get trapped inside our swimsuits. Once we leave the ocean, the larvae die as these get stuck to our skin. This is when the itching begins. 

To avoid any reactions, it is better to remove your bathing suit and wash with water immediately after your swim. However, once the larvae have discharged the nematocysts and the itching begins, the best thing you can do is to take antihistamines that will cover you for 24 hours. Taking antihistamine will suppress the itchiness and even prevent new hypersensitivity reaction to the nematocysts. You can also apply a potent steroid cream or lotion such as fluocinonide or betamethasone. It would take about a week for the rashes to stop being itchy.

Hope the rashes go away soon!

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Dear Dr Jen,

I have been dyeing my hair with a certain brand for the last three years. However, I noticed that my scalp became very itchy after the dyeing session. The area surrounding my scalp seems a little swollen and very red. Is it possible to be allergic to my hair dye even if I've been using it for a long time?

Miss Anne

Dear Anne,

Yes it is very possible to develop an allergic reaction even after years of using a product. It is imperative that you go to your PDS dermatologist for immediate treatment.  There have been a lot of reported cases of hair dye allergy causing coma and even death. This is because a simple contact dermatitis or urticaria can develop into an anaphylactic shock that can be fatal.

Hair dye allergy is caused most commonly by a chemical called para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and it's related chemicals. In some countries, PPD is even banned as a hair dye component. That's how dangerous PPD can be.

The symptoms usually start with itchiness and redness around the scalp, over the face and neck area. It is rarely seen over the scalp per se because the skin on the scalp is quite thick and resistant to allergic reactions.

To treat hair dye allergy, the PPD on the scalp can be washed by a solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide. Your PDS dermatologist can give you the right concentration of this. Depending on the severity, oral or topical steroids should be started right away.

To avoid future allergic reactions, please have a skin test done a week before you plan to dye your hair with the product you have in mind. You might also be interested to look into health stores like "healthy options" that usually sell hair dye products devoid of PPD.Remember that once you are allergic to PPD, you will forever be allergic to it. Be wary of hair dyes and tattoos containing PPD (FYI black henna tattoo also contains PPD). Good luck!

If you have any questions or concerns please text 0922 845 5556 or email [email protected].

Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital. For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/.